Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

After a while, Ronald finally seemed satisfied and let Stella go.

Stella looked at him with a pout, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "My lips hurt," she complained.

It did hurt a bit. He was so inexperienced...

Ronald bent down to examine her lips, noticing the slight chapping with a pang of regret. "I'll be gentler next time."

"You're already thinking about next time? It hurts!" Stella mumbled as she snuggled back under the covers.

She had planned to head to the studio today to give Tabitha some work instructions, but with the snow falling thick outside, she felt no desire to leave the house. There was something so comforting about staying in bed during a snowstorm. Besides, with her lips sore, she knew Ronald wouldn't let her go out anyway.

Ronald chuckled at her lazy demeanor. "Make sure you wrap things up at your studio soon. We're heading back to Ferrowland."noveldrama

Stella turned to face him, eyes wide with anticipation. "When?"

Suddenly announcing a trip back to Ferrowland had her heart racing with excitement.

But wait...

"Can we wait until these marks fade before we go back?" she asked.

She couldn't very well explain them to her mom or Yvonne if they asked.

Ronald stood up, considering. "About two weeks."

Stella nodded. "That should be enough."

Two weeks was plenty of time, but only if Ronald behaved himself. If he didn't, and more marks appeared, she might not have the courage to face her family in Ferrowland.

Ronald seemed to catch her drift, leaning in with a teasing smile. "If they ask, just tell them the truth."

Stella's eyes lit up at his words. "Really? I can?"

"Why not?"

Stella was left speechless, admiration glittering in her eyes as she gazed at him. "I really admire you."

If she actually told them the truth, she couldn't even imagine how they would react. If she managed to stay in Ferrowland without bolting, it would be a miracle.

With that, Ronald left the room.

Alone, Stella's thoughts turned to her studio and how to handle things. She hadn't been able to contact anyone in Ferrowland before, uncertain if or when she could return. Now that she was going back, her visits to Portis City would likely be less frequent. It was something she needed to sort out.

She picked up the phone and called Tabitha to schedule a meeting at the studio for the next day, then dialed Susanna.

Susanna was at the hospital when she answered, immediately clicking her tongue. "Karma, I tell you. What did the Larkin family do to deserve this?"

Stella asked, "You're at the hospital again?"

Susanna sighed. "Don't even get me started. My niece got sick again after being discharged. It's stressing me out."

Lately, Susanna had been

particularly worried about her little niece. The last time she visited

she'd run into Jaxon and Lola with their child at the hospital.

Stella inquired, "Did you see the Larkins?"

Susanna replied, "Yeah, can you believe it? Fate just keeps serving me the juiciest gossip and drama."

Stella couldn't help but smile at her friend's obvious glee. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"

Susanna lowered her voice. "I heard it was a gunshot wound. Both his hands are ruined. How much must they hate him?" Stella was stunned. "Both hands?"

Ronald had taken Jaxon's hands? That was Ronald being merciful; usually, he'd be out for blood.

Susanna continued, "Yeah, Mrs.

Larkin fainted from the shock. She could never tell the difference between her adopted daughter and her own. Now with her real son and the adopted daughter, which do you think matters more?"

Stella replied, uninterested, "Does it matter? The Larkins are in chaos now."

Lola had noticed that Jaxon had

been spending a lot of time with Ursula lately. She'd hoped that bringing the child back would secure her place in the Larkin family. If she found out that her son- Cloudia's biological grandson- was less

important than the adopted

daughter, there'd be hell to pay.

"Enough about the Larkins. That drama will keep unfolding. Let's talk business," Stella said.

Susanna was surprised. "Business? You have business with me?"

"Why not?" Stella retorted.

Susanna chuckled. "Sure, what's up? Are we taking down the Larkins or Yorick? Just send me the juicy bits."

Stella rolled her eyes. Did Susanna really think her business was all about taking people down?

"Did the Quarrys give you any trouble last time?" Stella asked.

Susanna scoffed. "Do you think I care?"

Stella was worried. "I'm just concerned about your mother."

Susanna was unfazed. "She can handle herself."